Garcia moves up to third

Sunday 27 January 2008 00:10 BST

Sergio Garcia moved up to a career-high third in the world on Monday after his first European Tour win since 2005 in the Castellon Masters.

The 28-year-old, hosting the inaugural event at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is still the host professional, closed with a four-under 67 to finish three shots ahead of Sweden's Peter Hedblom.

Garcia, who dedicated his win to compatriot Seve Ballesteros, who remains in hospital after a third brain operation, said: "It feels absolutely awesome. It just feels very special and means so much."

He added: "Just getting the tournament here was special for me and my family but to play the way I did and win it is awesome.

"I had so many positive comments throughout the week from everybody and I hope this can be a great tournament for many years to come."

It was a fairytale win for the 28-year-old, who took a four-shot lead into the final round following scores of 66, 65 and 66 and never relinquished top spot on the leaderboard.

Afterwards, he paid tribute to 51-year-old Ballesteros, who remains in intensive care in a Madrid hospital.

"I couldn't help but think of Seve," said Garcia. "I'm sending all my love to him and his family and hope he recovers soon.